Roy Keane last night paid tribute to former Newcastle forward Michael Chopra after his late strike gave Sunderland a stunning start to life back in the Premier League.

Chopra, signed for #5million after a move for David Nugent collapsed, came off the substitutes' bench in the 72nd minute and struck a dramatic injury-time winner against much-fancied Tottenham.

The former Toon forward was engulfed by Sunderland supporters who had questioned the signing.

"I've said it before, if he's from Newcastle or New Zealand, if he can add something, I will sign him," said Keane.

"I keep saying that if we create the chances for Chopra he will score. I'm sure he was disappointed not to start the match but, like any decent player, he reacted in the right way.

"I just looked at him on the bench and thought he was keen to get on, he had that look. I'm delighted for him.

"The whole team were outstanding - the work-rate was excellent and there were a few good performers.

"We scored plenty of late goals last season and it's not down to luck. Great credit to my players, they showed desire to keep getting in there.

"A lot of teams might have settled for a draw and it might cost us in other games but that desire is great, I'm delighted for the players.

Everyone did their bit. In football you get your just rewards and the players worked extremely hard. They deserved it. The hard work will need to continue if we want to have a good season.

"The fans were fantastic. Every fan at the start of the season is not sure what to expect, but they were great.

"It's very nice to get three points on the board and in football you get what you deserve and we deserved it."

Chopra's last goal at the Stadium of Light - his only other Premier League goal - had come AGAINST Sunderland in 2006 for fierce rivals Newcastle.

And he admitted he had faced difficulty before yesterday in winning over the Sunderland fans.

"I have had a job to win over the fans, particularly after what happened two years ago," said Chopra. "Hopefully they love me now! Being a Geordie, I know what football means in the north-east and I want to show the Sunderland fans how I want to be here."

Spurs boss Martin Jol slammed his own shot-shy forwards.

"The strikers did not work hard enough or did not move enough," he blasted. "If you do not score with the quality we have, then the opposition will score.

"We did not play with urgency and we did not play as well as we would have liked to. Even if the game had been nil-nil that would have been disappointing.

Sam Allardyce returned to haunt his former employers as NEWCASTLE romped to a 3-1 win over Bolton at the Reebok. The visitors raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to a brace from Obafemi Martins and a Charles N'Zogbia strike. Nicolas Anelka slotted home a second-half strike for Bolton.

Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe were on the scoresheet for EVERTON during their 2-1 win over Wigan at Goodison. Antoine Sibierski grabbed a late consolation for the visitors.

Andy Todd's last-gasp equaliser denied PORTSMOUTH all three points at Pride Park. Derby had led through Matt Oakley, but goals from Benjani and John Utaka looked to have given Pompey all three points.

Roque Santa Cruz marked his debut with a goal as BLACKBURN came from behind to win 2-1 at Middlesbrough.

Stewart Downing's first-half free-kick had given Boro the lead - but Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire's finish sealed the points for Rovers.